Ofqual - grading new GCSEs from 2017

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The reformed GCSE exams for English (language and literature) and maths will be taken for the first time in 2017 (The new grading structure will be applied to other GCSE subjects in 2018 and 2019). One of the major changes is that they will be graded from 9 to 1, instead of A*to G.

They have been aligned so that equal proportions of students will achieve equivalent gradings as they have done before (ie proportions of students achieving what was A and above, C and above, and G and above will remain consistent with 7 and above, 4 and above, and 1 and above).

What is a good pass now?

A good pass has previously been defined as any grade A*-C. The government’s definition of a ‘good pass’ is set at grade 5 for reformed GCSEs. Grade 4 will continue to be a level 2 achievement. The Ofqual guidance is available to download below.

GCSE equivalency

Some of the programmes we deliver have eligibility criteria that require applicants to show evidence of any or all GCSEs in English, maths and science at grade C and above. The equivalent for applicants with reformed GCSE qualifications will be grade 4 and above.